chancing one's arm
Taking a punt
Chancing one's arm is taking a risk, especially when success is uncertain but the potential reward makes it worth trying.
The phrase is primarily British and Irish: I know it's a long shot, but I'm going to chance my arm and ask for a raise.
Someone who chances their arm accepts the possibility of failure or embarrassment.
- valorCourage in danger
- audacityBrazen, reckless daring
- daringAdventurous courage
- taking a riskActing despite uncertainty
- rewardPayment for service
choice · opportunism · gamble · roll of the dice · guts · fortitude · consequence · probability · leap of faith · long shot · shot in the dark · wild card · judgment · flying blind · failure · punt · foresight · nothing ventured
chancing one's armplaying it safe
Avoiding unnecessary risk
erring on the side of caution · hedging one's bets · keeping one's head down · sitting on the fence · holding back
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